'''Goals and Expectations''' – The charge and goals of the committee as well as the expectations of the individual members must be made very clear and communicated Expectations must be made clear and reiterated in writing. It’s important that all members understand the expectations of their involvement and any tasks they have been delegated.

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'''Goals and Expectations''' – The charge and goals of the committee, as well as the expectations of the individual members must be made very clear and communicated to all. Expectations must be made clear and reiterated in writing. It’s important that all members understand the expectations of their involvement and any tasks they have been delegated.

In a virtual environment, communication needs to occur often. Regular communication helps members to stay focused and keeps projects moving forward. You will want to communicate frequently, monthly at minimum. If you have delegated a task, make sure to check in and make sure that the member is progressing and to see if any additional information or assistance is needed. Remember to communicate in such a way as to invite feedback, and to initiate discussion among members.

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'''Maintain and Information Bank''' -

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'''Maintain an Information Bank''' -

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It is essential for any collaborative project, whether virtual or not, to have a central repository to store all information and for all members to have access to the repository. This is where processes are documented and communications archived. It makes sense for a virtual collaborative to have a virtual repository so that regardless of location, all members can access it. This also makes the information accessible to any new members. The subsequent chairs can then have the committee’s previous efforts at their fingertips. This is where ALA Connect can prove to be very useful.

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It is essential for any collaborative project, whether virtual or not, to have a central repository to store all information and for all members to have access to the repository. This is where processes are documented and communications archived. It makes sense for a virtual collaborative to have a virtual repository such that regardless of location, all members can access it. This also makes the information accessible to any new members. The subsequent chairs can then have the committee’s previous efforts at their fingertips. ALA Connect is the tool you should use for your committee's information bank. '''''It is essential that you store all relevant information on ALA Connect so that it will be accessble to future chairs.''''' If you have ever taken over as chair of a committee and found absolutely no records to help you, you know why we want everyone to use one tool for this - ALA Connect!

'''Provide Support, Instruction and Training''' -

'''Provide Support, Instruction and Training''' -

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Make sure members have access to you and can convey any concerns. While it is recommended that most communication take place among the entire committee, let members know that they can contact you directly if they have concerns they are more comfortable expressing privately.

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Make sure members have access to you and can convey any concerns. While it is recommended that most communication take place among the entire committee, let members know that they can contact you directly if they have concerns they are more comfortable expressing privately. '''''Don’t assume your members are familiar with all the tools you will be using.''''' Reflect back on what you learned when you assessed members technology skills. Members may benefit from training and the opportunity to practice with various tools. Make sure to provide these opportunities and provide the support and assistance needed for members to comfortably and confidently participate.

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'''Don’t assume your members are familiar with all the tools you will be using'''- Members may benefit from training and the opportunity to practice with various tools. Make sure to provide these opportunities and provide the support and assistance needed for members to comfortably and confidently participate.

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Revision as of 14:09, 22 April 2012

Practical Tips for Leading Virtual Teams

Goals and Expectations – The charge and goals of the committee, as well as the expectations of the individual members must be made very clear and communicated to all. Expectations must be made clear and reiterated in writing. It’s important that all members understand the expectations of their involvement and any tasks they have been delegated.

Getting to Know Your Members -
Prior to embarking on official business, chairs should take the time to get to know their members. To successfully operate in a virtual environment, the technology skills and access of the members must be assessed.

Communicate Proactively -
In a virtual environment, communication needs to occur often. Regular communication helps members to stay focused and keeps projects moving forward. You will want to communicate frequently, monthly at minimum. If you have delegated a task, make sure to check in and make sure that the member is progressing and to see if any additional information or assistance is needed. Remember to communicate in such a way as to invite feedback, and to initiate discussion among members.

Maintain an Information Bank -
It is essential for any collaborative project, whether virtual or not, to have a central repository to store all information and for all members to have access to the repository. This is where processes are documented and communications archived. It makes sense for a virtual collaborative to have a virtual repository such that regardless of location, all members can access it. This also makes the information accessible to any new members. The subsequent chairs can then have the committee’s previous efforts at their fingertips. ALA Connect is the tool you should use for your committee's information bank. It is essential that you store all relevant information on ALA Connect so that it will be accessble to future chairs. If you have ever taken over as chair of a committee and found absolutely no records to help you, you know why we want everyone to use one tool for this - ALA Connect!

Provide Support, Instruction and Training -
Make sure members have access to you and can convey any concerns. While it is recommended that most communication take place among the entire committee, let members know that they can contact you directly if they have concerns they are more comfortable expressing privately. Don’t assume your members are familiar with all the tools you will be using. Reflect back on what you learned when you assessed members technology skills. Members may benefit from training and the opportunity to practice with various tools. Make sure to provide these opportunities and provide the support and assistance needed for members to comfortably and confidently participate.